Coffee is a popular staple for many people, consumed worldwide and across numerous cultures. And while many coffee-drinkers enjoy the "pick-me-up" effects of caffeine, not everyone can tolerate caffeine's stimulating properties. Caffeine is sometimes implicated in various symptoms of digestive distress, but, as it turns out, even decaffeinated coffee can have some effects on your intestinal system. If you have irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, you should be aware of the role decaffeinated coffee can play in digestive upset.
Coffee Basics
Many people think of coffee as just a source of caffeine, but there's much more to it than that. According to Dr. Rob van Dam of the Harvard School of Public Health, in addition to caffeine, coffee contains hundreds of natural compounds that affect your body in various ways. These substances are found in decaffeinated coffee, as well; therefore, any coffee consumption may trigger health-related problems. Digestive problems, for example, can sometimes crop up as the result of coffee consumption.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Basics
Irritable bowel syndrome is a common digestive disorder characterized by irritation of your large intestine, causing symptoms such as gas, bloating, stomach cramps, constipation and diarrhea. MayoClinic.com states that, while IBS symptoms can be bothersome and uncomfortable, most IBS sufferers are able to lessen and manage their symptoms through adjustments in diet and lifestyle. Patients with IBS are sometimes advised to avoid coffee as one of their relevant dietary changes.
Coffee and Digestive Disorders
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that caffeine, such as in coffee, stimulates stomach acid production, which can lead to digestive distress. However, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, even decaffeinated coffee produces increased stomach acid. And although decaffeinated coffee is not typically discussed specifically in relation to IBS, if coffee in general is irritating to you, you might want to try avoiding both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffees.
Recommendations
If you have or think you may have IBS and are concerned about the effects of decaffeinated coffee on your symptoms, consult your physician. Only a medical professional can evaluate your condition and assess whether your coffee intake may be exacerbating your symptoms and should, therefore, be modified. Your physician may advise other interventions beyond coffee avoidance, such as additional dietary changes and medication. Follow your physician's medical advice for appropriate treatment.
References
- Harvard School of Public Health; Ask the Expert: Coffee and Health; Dr. Rob van Dam
- MayoClinic.com; Irritable Bowel Syndrome Definition; July 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Digestive Disorders; January 2008
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Stomach and Duodenal Ulcers; February 1998
